Jamaica Declares Emergency in Clarendon Parish

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a 14-day state of emergency in Clarendon parish following a series of deadly shootings on Sunday night that left eight people dead, including a seven-year-old boy. This measure aims to curb gang violence and prevent reprisal killings, noting that intelligence indicated a high probability of retaliation. The state of emergency may include curfews, longer detention without formal charges, and property searches without warrants. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the shootings, and an illegal firearm has been seized. Jamaica, ranked as the second-deadliest country in the Latin American and Caribbean region, continues to struggle with high levels of gang activity and gun violence, with around 87% of traced firearms originating from the United States.